NEWS & SUCCESS STORIES

NEWS // October 14, 2015

Logan Heights Neighbor Creates Community Garden and Park

Derrick Gilliam inherited a 5,000 square foot lot in the Logan
Heights from his grandparents. The land which sits along Imperial
Avenue nestled in between 28th and 29th Streets has sat vacant for
years. To help create a more walkable community, Gilliam is allowing
BAME Community Development Corporation (BAME CDC) along with residents
from the local neighborhood to create a park and community garden for
the next five years on the lot.

The Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park will bring awareness to
an overlooked area. The Greater Logan Heights community— which
includes Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, Memorial, Grant Hill and
Stockton — is a densely populated, low-income area in Central San
Diego. Over 95% of the estimated 14,347 residents are
Mexican-Americans and African Americans. The park is a collaboration
between BAME CDC, a resident group called H.A.C.E.R. (Helping Achieve
Community Empowerment and Revitalization) and Space4Art, the park’s
architect. Volunteers from local high schools, individual residents
and community organizations have been actively involved in the
creation of the park.

“The Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park is a shining example
of residents, local nonprofits and other stakeholders coming together
to build a gathering and educational site for a community in need,”
said Monte Jones, Chief Executive Officer of BAME CDC

The neighborhood lacks large grocery stores which could provide a
wider selection of affordable healthy food options. The park’s garden
with fruits and vegetables will bring relief to the area, known as a
food desert, and teach families how to have their own gardens. The
amphitheater will host movie nights and obstacle courses and playing
grounds will be gathering and recreational areas for the diverse community.

Sponsors of The Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park include the
County of San Diego and San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox; the City
of San Diego and Councilmember David Alvarez; the San Diego
Foundation; the Local Initiatives Support Corporation; SDG&E, and
the Voice of San Diego. Hundreds of community volunteers
are still needed to build the park during the month of October 2015.